Brief Overview of προσέχω (Strong’s G4337: prosechō)

Strong’s G4337: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with echō (to hold), meaning “to hold the mind toward, pay attention to, be cautious about.” Used in contexts of spiritual vigilance, careful attention, and devoted adherence, particularly in warnings and exhortations to spiritual watchfulness.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσέχω represents focused attention and vigilant awareness. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in contexts of spiritual watchfulness and moral discernment. The compound structure emphasizes sustained mental attention directed toward something specific. Jesus uses this term in warnings about religious hypocrisy and false teaching, while Paul employs it regarding attention to spiritual duties. Early church fathers frequently used this term to emphasize the importance of spiritual vigilance and doctrinal faithfulness. Today, it continues to express the critical need for spiritual discernment and focused attention to God’s truth.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσέχω, prosechō, pros-EK-ho
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘EK’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘ho’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• ἔχω (echō) – root verb meaning “to hold, have”
  The combination indicates directed mental focus.

D – Defining Meanings

• To pay attention to
• To be cautious about
• To devote oneself to

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to ἔχω, creating the concept of holding one’s mind toward something. The combination emphasizes sustained, purposeful attention.

Translation Options:

• “to pay attention to” – emphasizes mental focus
• “to be on guard against” – captures the warning aspect
• “to give heed to” – reflects devoted attention

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βλέπω (blepō, BLEP-oh) – to look at, perceive
  See G991
• σκοπέω (skopeō, sko-PEH-oh) – to look at, consider
  See G4648
• νήφω (nēphō, NAY-fo) – to be sober, vigilant
  See G3525

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσέχω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Imperative, Indicative, Participle
• Person: 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

The imperative mood appears frequently in warnings and exhortations, while the present tense emphasizes ongoing attention.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in warnings and exhortations. Thayer’s notes its application to mental and spiritual attention. LSJ provides evidence of its use in contexts requiring vigilance. Vine’s connects it to spiritual watchfulness. Strong’s highlights the directed nature of the attention. LEH notes its use in wisdom literature. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in official attention to duties.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
[Προσέχετε] Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1

Additional References:
Matthew 7:15
Luke 12:1
Acts 5:35
1 Timothy 1:4
Hebrews 2:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσέχω powerfully captures the need for spiritual vigilance and focused attention in following Christ. The good news is that while we must be watchful against deception and faithful in attention to truth, Christ Himself is our perfect guardian who keeps us through His Spirit’s guidance.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears frequently in Jesus’ warnings about spiritual deception
2. It was commonly used in ancient navigation for steering a ship
3. Early Christian writers used it extensively in discussions of doctrinal purity

Strong’s G4337: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with echō (to hold), meaning “to hold the mind toward, pay attention to, be cautious about.” Used in contexts of spiritual vigilance, careful attention, and devoted adherence, particularly in warnings and exhortations to spiritual watchfulness.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: attention, vigilance, watchfulness, spiritual-discernment, warning, caution, devotion, compound-verb, Jesus-teaching, spiritual-warfare, discipleship, doctrine, faithfulness, wisdom, discernment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​